Moth, myth or mithuss?

David Matthews2

Can anyone put a name to this friendly character, spotted in the eves of my greenhouse the other evening? [over 2cm long, quite heavy-bodied] A near match in colour for my 'rufty-tufty' garden gloves!

Alan Clark2 in Liverpool

It looks like the Bright-line Brown–eye or Tomato Moth (Lacanobia oleracea).

http://www.wildlifeinsight.com/the-bright-line-brown-eye-tomato-moth-laconobia-oleracea-bf-no-2160/ 

nutcutlet

agree

I didn't know it was called tomato moth

pansyface

BY JINGO, HE'S RIGHT. 

http://www.wildlifeinsight.com/the-bright-line-brown-eye-tomato-moth-laconobia-oleracea-bf-no-2160/

WATCH OUT FOR DISAPPEARING TOMS.

David Matthews2

Thanks for your prompt responses, folks! Another 'first' for my garden. I will just have to guard my toms re: caterpillars (if/when they start flowering?! No eggs spotted on plants in gh, as yet!

Last edited: 20 June 2016 19:15:52

David Matthews2

At least one egg must have been laid by the adult as this fella is gradually reducing the foliage on the tomato plants...

I think he'll have his work cut out to have any real effect, so maybe we'll leave him be & look out for his pupa in the soil when I 'clear out' at the end of the season?

Welshonion

Tomato moths eat tomatoes!

David Matthews2

Yep, Welshonion - my 'guest' obviously likes a more balanced diet with extra 'greens' included!! [ note the frass in the pic - that looks more like digested leaf material]. *The snails & slugs are the only ones I've caught 'sampling' the tomatoes whilst they're still green.